Feminism in Action: Examining the changing role of women in modern society

Aastha Bhardwaj1, Mir Sana1, Salim Ansari1, Parneet Kaur1

[1] Khalsa College of Engineering and technology

1. Introduction
I get really bedazzled by the fact how like how many roles, I say how many! are played by
the women. From your left right to Centre every field is occupied and presented by the
women. From cooking scrumptious food to excelling in their respective fields, looking after
their family to taming their kids, home, offices etc. what are not done by the women. But the
concern become apparent when we realized are women being esteemed the way they should.
The retort has to be “No”, Women ain’t being treated the way they should be. Over the years,
women had made significant progress in breaking barrier and challenging gender stereotype.
One of the significant high lights is the breaking of traditional gender role women are
challenging societal norms and pursing carrier in fields that were once dominated by men.
This shift not only empower women but also encourage younger generation to dream big and
follow their passion. Despite of the fact women are breaking society norms to confronting
obstacles. Sexual violence is the atrocious concern of today’s world. It believed that this
matter should be look after to ensure the safety and well-being of women.
Now let’s dive into this topic further so that we can draw a conclusion on the topic
“Feminism in Action: Examining the changing role of women in modern society”.

2. Review of literature
Sobha Rani (2021) concluded that Women constitute almost 50% of the world’s population
but India has shown disproportionate sex ratio whereby female’s population has been
comparatively lower than males. As far as their social status is concerned, they are not treated
as equal to men in all the places.

Prasad (2018) concluded that Women Empowerment refers to increasing and improving the
social, economic, political and legal strength of the women, to ensure equal right to women to
make them confident enough to claim and enjoy their rights, to control and benefit from
resources, assets, income and their own time, as well as the ability to manage risk and
improve their economic status and wellbeing. The progress of any nation is inevitably linked
with social and economic upliftment of women in that country.
Smith et al. (2017) revealed that recent evidence has found widespread reports of women
experiencing abuse, neglect, discrimination and poor interpersonal care during childbirth
around the globe. Empowerment may be a protective mechanism for women against facility
mistreatment during childbirth. The majority of precious research on mistreatment during
childbirth has been qualitative in nature.
Nayak and Mahanta (2009) reveals that women of India are relatively disempowered and
they enjoy somewhat lower status than that of men in spite of many efforts undertaken by
government.
Rapport (1984) has
noted that it is easy to define empowerment by its absence but difficult to define in action as it takes
on
different forms in different people and contexts. Even defining the concept is subject to debate
Rapport (1984) has
noted that it is easy to define empowerment by its absence but difficult to define in action as it takes
on
different forms in different people and contexts. Even defining the concept is subject to debate
Rapport (1984) has
noted that it is easy to define empowerment by its absence but difficult to define in action as it takes
on
different forms in different people and contexts. Even defining the concept is subject to debate
Rapport (1984) has
noted that it is easy to define empowerment by its absence but difficult to define in action as it takes
on
different forms in different people and contexts. Even defining the concept is subject to debate
Rapport (1984) has
noted that it is easy to define empowerment by its absence but difficult to define in action as it takes
on
different forms in different people and contexts. Even defining the concept is subject to debate
Page and Czuba (1999) define empowerment as a multi-dimensional social process that helps
people gain control over their own lives, a process that fosters power in people for use in their own
lives,
their communities and in their society, by acting on issues they define as important
Page and Czuba (1999) define empowerment as a multi-dimensional social process that helps
people gain control over their own lives, a process that fosters power in people for use in their own
lives,
their communities and in their society, by acting on issues they define as important
Page and Czuba (1999) define empowerment as a multi-dimensional social process that helps
people gain control over their own lives, a process that fosters power in people for use in their
own lives, their communities and in their society, by acting on issues they define an
important.

3. Feminist principles and beliefs in various aspects of life

"Feminism in action" refers to the practical application of feminist principles and beliefs in
various aspects of life, including social, political, economic, and cultural spheres. Here are
some examples of feminism in action:

3.1 Advocacy for Gender Equality: Feminism in action involves actively campaigning for
equal rights and opportunities for people of all genders. This includes lobbying for changes in
laws and policies that perpetuate gender discrimination and advocating for measures such as
equal pay, reproductive rights, and access to education and healthcare.
3.2 Intersectionality: Feminism in action recognizes that individuals experience multiple
forms of oppression and discrimination based on factors such as race, class, sexual
orientation, and ability, in addition to gender. Intersectional feminism seeks to address these
intersecting inequalities and amplify the voices of marginalized groups within the feminist
movement.

3.3 Challenging Gender Stereotypes: Feminism in action involves challenging traditional

gender norms and stereotypes that limit individuals' choices and opportunities based on their
gender. This includes promoting gender-neutral language, challenging media representations
that perpetuate harmful stereotypes, and supporting individuals who defy traditional gender
roles.

3.4 Supporting Survivors of Gender-Based Violence: Feminism in action involves

providing support and resources to survivors of gender-based violence, including sexual
assault, domestic violence, and harassment. This may include advocating for legal reforms,
providing counseling and shelter services, and raising awareness about the prevalence and
impact of gender-based violence.
3.5 Empowering Women and Girls: Feminism in action seeks to empower women and girls
to pursue their goals and aspirations without facing barriers based on their gender. This may
involve initiatives such as mentorship programs, leadership training, and educational
scholarships aimed at increasing women's representation and participation in traditionally
male-dominated fields.

3.6 Promoting Inclusive Language and Spaces: Feminism in action involves creating
inclusive environments where people of all genders feel welcome and valued. This includes
using inclusive language that recognizes and respects diverse gender identities, as well as
advocating for the creation of safe spaces free from harassment and discrimination.

Overall, feminism in action encompasses a range of efforts aimed at promoting gender

equality and challenging systems of oppression that perpetuate gender-based discrimination
and inequality. It requires ongoing commitment and activism to create a more just and
equitable society for people of all genders.

4. Case Study
Recent studies indicate a significant surge in the number of women venturing into traditionally
male-dominated fields like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics),
marking a positive shift in societal norms and opportunities. However, amidst these
advancements, the alarming rates of rape and domestic violence in India cannot be overlooked.
Shockingly, a rape was reported every 16 minutes in 2019, with a slight decrease from every 15
minutes in 2018. Equally distressing is the prevalence of domestic violence, affecting nearly 32%
of married women. Despite these grim realities, there are glimpses of hope in the strides women
are making across various sectors. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, India ranks
127th out of 146 nations in gender parity, highlighting the persistent challenges in providing
equal economic opportunities. While progress has been made, there is still much ground to cover,
especially in leadership roles, where only a fraction of countries have women heads of state or
government. In India, women's representation in sectors like the military, healthcare, and
education varies, with notable disparities. Nevertheless, there is cause for celebration in the
significant increase in the literacy rate, which rose by 14.4% between 2010 and 2021, reaching
91.95% in 2021. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of gender dynamics in India,
emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address inequalities and foster an inclusive society
for all genders.
5. Conclusion

Through the efforts of women and their allies we are seen progress in various fields with
more women entering male dominant industries taking on leadership role and making
significant contribution. I want to conclude it on this note that one day world will be more
liberal towards women approaching top of skies and every men will hold the back of their
respective women to touch the skies with flying colors. I say feminism is not a fight it is basic
fundamental human right which ask for equality of every gender. The figure mentioned above
of woman dominating the field once dominated by men clearly screams

Yes! feminism is in action.

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